How to Make Pocket Invitations – A Simple Guide

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Wedding invitations are the business card of your big day. Classic in ivory and gold, quirky and unexpected in neon colors with graphic color blocks or simply chic and dainty – there are millions of versions out there. Pocket invitations are a stylish and elegant way to invite your family and friends to you upcoming nuptials and celebrations. This style is definitely gaining more and more popularity these days, and if you are one of its fans, then you are probably on the hunt for good tips on how to make pocket invitations yourself. If you’re crafty and creative, then this can be a fun and highly stimulating project for you! Check out our step by step guide and enjoy the process!

How to Make Pocket Invitations – A Simple Guide

Step 1: Select Your Tools

First things’ first: you’ll definitely need a few materials to get this project going – but don’t worry, nothing to fancy or too inaccessible. Here’s your tool shopping list:

  • Card stock – pick your favorite stock in desired colors, patterns and style (pay attention to its sturdiness and finish as well and make sure that the paper does not wrinkle easily; extra points for paper that folds neatly)

  • Pencil

  • Paper glue

  • Ruler

  • Paper trimmer and scissors or any other paper cutting tool you may prefer

  • Bone folder

  • Double sided tape, narrow

  • Optional: ribbon

Step 2: Find Your Template

Once you’ve picked your favorite card stock, the next step is to download a template that will help you trace and measure your design. There are various templates available, from the ones with rounded pockets to the ones with pointed ones, so pick one that will suit the style you’re into the most. Print your template and cut it in order to achieve the exact shape of your future pocket invitations – you will use it to trace its shape on your card stock. Keep in mind that a large template means that you will need a printer that prints out larger sizes, so adjust your search accordingly. Browse through this collection of free templates and pick the one that you like best.

Step 3: Trace Your Template

For this step of the how to make pocket invitations process, you will definitely need a sturdy and firm hand – make sure you keep the template tightly in place and trace its shape on your chosen piece of card stock. Never use a pen when tracing a template since you will not be able to remove the marks. Instead, use a pencil and trace the shape lightly in order to be able to erase it afterwards.

Step 4: Cut Your Pocket

Once you've traced your pocket shape, proceed to cutting it with your chosen tool. You may want to use a scissors for this job or opt for paper trimmers instead.

Step 5: Score Your Pocket

Once the cutting process is all done, it's probably obvious that the next step is scoring the card stock in order to transform it into an actual pocket. Once again, the exact scoring tool is a matter of choice, but in most cases, a bone folder should work just fine. Follow the template in order to fold the paper at the exact places.

Step 6: Glue Your Pocket

Bend the flaps of the card and secure them with the help of your chosen adhesive. In case you opted for a runny glue, make sure you use just a little in order to avoid getting your paper pocket wet and messy.

Once you're done with the entire how to make pocket invitations process, you can proceed to either designing or ordering your invitations and RSVP cards. Depending on the template you chose, your invitations should fit perfectly in the designated pocket, so make sure you measure correctly before setting on your dream invitations.

For detailed instructions, check this video.

Extra Tips:

  • Rounded pocket templates are harder to work with than pointed ones, since they require more dexterity for a flawless finish. If you are not on the experienced side, then it is better if you start out with a simple template design that features straight lines only.

  • To secure your invitation in the pocket, use double sided tape and place it neatly and symmetrically in your pocket. Place your RSVP card and envelope in the designated pocket without gluing.

  • Use ribbon in order to wrap it around and secure your pocket if desired.

As you can see, it is not that difficult to learn how to make pocket invitations – all you need is, besides a handful of tools, 15 minutes, a printer and a firm hand!